PRESENTATION TO THE HON. T. FERGUS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10287, 19 February 1895, Page 7

PRESENTATION TO THE HON. T. FERGUS.

As the Hon. T. Fergus found himself unable to visit his old constituency to receive an address as a souvenir of his long connection with * the district as it 3 representative in Parliament, the members of^the county council who had taken charge of the subscriptions hSve fnrwan'ied the address, &c. The Lake County Press states that the address (whi^h ia the work of Mr G. C. Baker, of Dunedin) is highly' artistic in style and finish, the lettcrimr (in Elizabethan text) being perfect. Surrounding it am appropriate viguettes of Queenstown, Eyre Peaks, Mount Larkins, and a view of Voeel street, Dunedin, and also native flora. The whole is encased in a handsome frame. The text is as follows :—

" To the Hon. T. Fergus. " Dear Sir,—On behalf of the residents of the old Wakatipu electorate ifc is our pleasin? duty to testify to the high este»m and reapect they entertain for you and to convey their warmest thanks forthe valuable services you have rendered tbe district during the many years you represented it in Parliament. In your retirement from public life the Wakatipu electorate has lost an able, zealous, and efficient' representative, and the colony an exemplary legislator, ever at your post, warm, honest, and independent'^' fell matters affecting the interests of your"constituents andthe welfare of the colony. While we express sincere regret at your retirement frpm the political arena, we still i-ntorfcain the nfeasing anticipation of seeing you frequently id' Wkatipu, where, believe us, a h-arty welcome will ejftt be accorded you, and we solicit your accept!Sfi6e'-'of**the'accom-panying souvenir as a small token of respect and esteem and which we trust will in a slight measure bear out our professions of goodwill:—Wishing you, Mrs Fergus, and family every happiness and prosperity, we remain, yours very sincerely, " The Subscribers "(Per J. Black, secretary,). "Queenstown, New Zealand, October 189 L" "The accompanying souvenir" consists of a very massive and handsome service of silver comprising tea and coffee service and sliver, the latter hearing the following inscription :—" Presented to the Hon. T. Fergus by the Wakatipu electors, October 1894 ;" and, in addition to the above, Mr Fergus was also presented with a genuine briarwood pipe and a very substantial Malacca cane with an ebony crook, the cane being inscribed as follows :—" Hen. T. Fergus. B'roin old Wakatipu. October 1894."

Mr Fergus's reply is neatly got up. The lettering is in copperplate, and surmounting it is a nice piece of ornamental work, with pretty views of Queenßtown, AVakatipu, the snow-clad Remark*, ablts, little bits of bush, flax, and cabbage trees. and above all a capital photographic portrait of the hon. gentleman himself. His reply 13 as follows:—

" Electors of Old Wakatipu. * ' '* Mr Black, Ladies, and Gentlemen,—l am in receipt of the address, service of silver, and other tokens of your kindness, and on behalf of Mrs Fergus, family, and self, permit ma to send you our warmest thanks for tbe gifts. "Business and other reasons prevented my acceptance of your kind invitation to visit Queenstown a few weeks ago. I had no conception that it was your intention to honour me and mine in the substantial manner you have since done. "The continued support which I received from you through 15 sessions of Parliament was ample proof of your goodwill; and strong business reasons alone compelled me to sever my connection with the electorate.

" Coming among you when quite young, I have, sq to speak, grown with the constituency, and can count the electors not only as supporters but as friends.—Again thanking you, lam, your obedient servant, Thomas Fergus. "Dunedin, November 1894." .